Because volunteers are so important to the Trash-Off program, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) suggests that certain safety measures be taken and offers other safety tips to Trash-Off participants. The following list is a SUMMARY of the safety tips offered by ODOT revised from ODOT’s "Adopt-A-Highway" program.

REQUIREMENTS:

REMEMBER: You are working in a
dangerous environment a public highway.

Crew members should possess the
following minimum qualifications:

Good common sense

Good physical condition, including sight and hearing

Mental alertness

A sense of responsibility for the safety of the public and crew

Must be at least 15 years old

SAFETY TIPS:

Knives, machetes, axes, etc., should not be carried by crew members.

Do not attempt to compact (squeeze) trash sacks to gain room for more trash. Injuries from broken or jagged objects often result from this practice.

Fill the sack with what goes in easily and then get another bag.

Park all vehicles well clear of the roadway and at least ten feet from the shoulder’s surface.

Keep vehicles on same side of the highway as volunteers.

Work one side of highway at a time. Car pool to site to reduce number of vehicles.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS, DO THE FOLLOWING:

Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic while you work. Be prepared to move out of the way of vehicles in an emergency.

Discontinue work in inclement weather, especially in times of reduced visibility and wet/icy roads.